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CPS Proposes Closure Of Four Underperforming Charter Schools

The Chicago Public Schools district is looking to close four "chronically underperforming" charter schools, officials announced Thursday.

The four charter schools recommended for closure are "on the Academic Warning List and are either up for a renewal or have failed to implement required remediation plans," the district said.

The charters proposed for closure include Amandla Charter High School in Englewood, Betty Shabazz - Barbara A. Sizemore Academy Elementary School in West Englewood, CICS - Larry Hawkins High School in Altgeld Gardens and Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter Elementary School in Bronzeville.

"Every child deserves a high quality education, and we are holding charters accountable to ensure our students are prepared for a bright future," CPS CEO Forrest Claypool said in a statement. "The proposed closures announced today were made to ensure better outcomes for students, and signal to charters not performing well, that they need to either improve or pack their bags because they will not be able to operate in Chicago."

The district is proposing to close charters after it strengthened its charter accountability policy and placed 10 charter schools, including the four now recommended for closure, on academic warning last week.

"Closing a school is always a last resort, but after reviewing the performance of these four schools, it is clear our students need and deserve better options," added CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson. "Our team is fully committed to working with families to find new options that will meet the individual needs of each student."